Aruba Poker Classic

Taking down first place and a prize of almost $800,000, the 2007 champion of the sixth UltimateBet Aruba Poker Classic, was online player Travis ‘TravestyFund’ Rice.

Rice clawed his way to victory against a 546 player field including WSOPE winner and online mega-star Annette ‘Annette_15’ Obredstad, Phil Hellmuth, Annie Duke and Freedy Deeb.

With players buying into the main event for $5,500 to create a prize pool of over $2.5 million, and being hosted in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, this tournament was one of the most glamorous of the season.

As usual the final was held outside on the beach, so not only did players have to contend with the pressure of playing a high-profile game, but they had to put up with heat and insects as well.

The six players who reached the final table included Brad Smithson, James Mordue, Nick Blackburn, Jordan Rich and Jason Gray. But it was Rice who dominated the game and after eight long hours he was heads-up with Mordue.

After eight days of play the final was over in just a few hands. Mordue pushed all-in with Ac-Kc and Rice as chip-leader, having him covered, called with Ks-10h.

Although Mordue was favourite to win the hand before and even after the flop, Rice hit a ten on the turn to knock him out. Mordue was sent home a second place finisher with a consolation prize of almost $500,000.